What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Reducing housing costs and increasing affordability will take a holistic approach regarding many policies. If I were to concentrate on just one, I would look at a common denominator to the housing issues and at the same time other challenges Maine faces. A good start would be legislation reducing the cost of energy. On the state-side alone this would be multi-faceted. Housing materials (and the material supply chain) as well as labor each have an energy component. A house owner or housing renters’ cost of living dictates what would be actually affordable to them for housing. Those living costs are influenced by energy costs.
I would also cosponsor bills addressing onerous regulations that prohibit reaching the objectives and needs of Mainers who require and deserve affordable housing.
Transmission lines, solar incentives and offshore wind development have been controversial over the past several years. What steps should Maine take to meet growing demand for electricity?
Maine, as the rest of New England, relies mostly on electricity produced by Natural Gas & secondly Nuclear. Renewables such as Solar & Wind come in a distant third with Refuse being a large part of that mix. Refuse is considered a renewable.
Cost of energy can be made attractive or prohibitive to high-demand users. Thermal energy (Hydrocarbon & Nuclear) currently has the highest consistency and efficiency and capacity for industry. If Maine wants to attract industry, it will need abundant and “dispatchable” energy. Maine must maintain the layers of our energy grid for cost-to-consumer, attractiveness for growth, and a good economy to explore low-emission research and implementation.
Abundant cheap energy allows for a robust economy and more affordable goods.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Variables that contribute to high property taxes need to be addressed. Today we see owners who live in generational homes having to consider selling their property to be able to live. High property taxes also prohibit young first-time buyers to join a community. If a home owner looks at their tax bill, they will see it divided as School/Local/Municipal. They will see an evaluation based on, in part, replacement. Clearly looking at the three items mentioned will have controversial aspects but must be addressed. Replacement (and costs related to the three areas) also have material, supply chain, and labor components. This again is influenced by a common theme here and that is less expensive energy. See the first question above.
We are closing in on the one-year anniversary of the Lewiston mass shooting. Are further legislative responses required around guns, mental health, supporting victims and families or other policy areas?
Mental health is paramount in any solution to violence of any nature. Maine traditionally competes with New Hampshire for safest state in the nation. Maine also has one of the lowest gun-related death rates in the nation. However, in terms of mental health Maine is in the bottom quarter. It’s clear where concentration would have to be to realize the highest return.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
My interest is being involved with 1) Marine Resources, 2) Energy Utilities, and Technology, and 3) Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committees. I have strong technical background and understanding in these areas.
Maine has a citizen legislature. Its original purpose was to bring in everyday people and represent their needs and ambitions. It is important we keep sight of that. Personally, I am driven by experience and not ideology. Experience counts in difficult times.
Our end-goals must be clear in pursuing what allows Mainers the ability to live comfortably, safely, and in a good environment while maintaining all rights and freedoms. This can be done with honest players and real-world tangible solutions. Maine has a bright future ahead.